Clean Energy Technologies

Wind Power Applications and Technologies Team

photo: wind turbines

summary… The Center for Energy and Environmental Sustainability at James Madison University (JMU) supports a Wind Power Applications and Technologies Team (WPATT) that serves statewide and national interests in the development of wind power both on land and offshore.

statewide… In 2007 the U.S. Department of Energy (DoE) designated Virginia a high-priority state with regard to wind power. This designation, shared with 12 other states, recognizes the vast untapped potential for wind power development in Virginia and the mechanisms already in place that can support its future development. The Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative (VWEC) is the entity supported by the DoE to develop and implement strategies to promote the responsible development of wind power in the Commonwealth. VWEC is supported by the WPATT at JMU as well as experts from Virginia Tech’s Advanced Research Institute, the George Washington Law School, Old Mill Power Company, and the Virginia Department of Mines, Minerals and Energy.

offshore… In 2006 the Commonwealth of Virginia enacted its first comprehensive energy legislation by which was formed the Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium (VCERC). The 2007 General Assembly passed an appropriation to support the VCERC which is now actively engaged in its efforts. The WPATT at JMU will lead the effort to conduct preliminary mapping of offshore areas suitable for wind development, with identification of excluded areas in order to avoid potential conflicts, and mapping of offshore benthic, pelagic, and avian habitats. The team will also support a feasibility-level design and economic assessment for a reference baseline offshore wind power project and the evaluation of the economic development impact of commercial offshore wind power development.

stage… The Wind Power Applications and Technologies Team at JMU provides wind related services to local governments, state agencies, landowners, academia, non-governmental organizations, and businesses. These services include wind resource measurements, economic modeling, education & outreach, energy policy analysis, assessment of technical specifications, Geographic Information Systems analysis, and the strategic deployment of wind power within the Commonwealth and beyond.


Virginia Wind Energy CollaborativeVirginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Don Giecek
Director, Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative, James Madison University
giecekdm@jmu.edu
804.749.4141 (Richmond office) | 540.568.8764 (Harrisonburg office)

Remy Luerssen
Mapping and Education Specialist, Virginia Coastal Energy Research Consortium, James Madison University
luerssrm@jmu.edu
540.568.8754 (Harrisonburg office) | 727.365.4843 (mobile office)

Patrick Wilson
Operations Administrator, Virginia Wind Energy Collaborative, James Madison University
wilsonpr@jmu.edu
540.568.8754 (Harrisonburg office) | 540.568.2761 (fax)

Jonathan J. Miles, Ph.D.
Professor, Integrated Science and Technology, James Madison University
milesjj@jmu.edu
540.568.3044 (Harrisonburg office) | 202.362.7477 (Washington D.C. office)